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Unit 10: Fictional codes and conventions

Section one: Genre

As one of the most recognisable and well-known genres in film thriller movies provide an brilliant opportunity to analyse the stylistic codes and conventions that make up the genre. By looking at Lucy (Dir Luc Besson 2014) and Batman: The dark knight (Dir. Christopher Nolan 2008) you can see how generic characteristics of the action film are present and how the audience recognise and interact with what they see onscreen. Action films within the thriller genre typically have a fast-moving plot, it is a genre which one or more heroes are faced with challenges typically including extended fight scenes, physical violence and car chases. These things are associated with the thriller movie genre because it evokes audience response and can also be thrilling for the audience.

Theorist Steve Neale suggests genre cinema is made up of repetition and difference. This means that the audience expect familiarity within a film and Neal’s theory says audiences get a sense of pleasure from recognising familiar genre tropes. The audience want to see similar characteristics in the movie because that’s what made them enjoy the genre in the first place.

Steve Neale’s theory can be seen in Lucy and Batman: The dark knight because both films have recognisable codes and conventions from the thriller genre.

One of the most iconic scenes from Batman: The dark knight is the opening scene when you are introduced to a character (later revealed as The Joker) waiting by the side of the road with a large duffle bag and a mask. The medium long shot shows the characters body language and clothing, he looks out of place because the street is very bright, and his posture is hunched over, and he is in dark clothes. The mask can be associated with horror movies and is used to hide someone’s appearance, it can also foreshadow later occurrences within the film that are quite dark. In this shot it also focus on another prop, we can see the a very large duffle bag however we don’t know what’s inside it, so it gives the character a sense of suspicion and builds up tension.

The whole scene after this shot is a bank raid that builds up to The Jokers reveal. The scene has a standoff and gun fight between several of the robbers and the bank owner this can be associated with the thriller genre because the scene had non-diegetic sound with the sound of gunshots and very little dialogue, it also moves fast aced as each of the robbers got killed over a short amount of time. The bus crash at the send of the scene when The Joker rivals his face was unexpected and shocked the audience gives them the impression of the joker to be smart and cunning person who is easily recognised as the villain.

The audience can easily have associated the mask and the guns with the joker because they both represent violence and the mask is used to hide his identity, the repetition of the Joker’s charter foreshadows a fight or disagreement with batman which the audience can expect, however a new actor gives the film a fresh start and a different feel.

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A recognisable scene from Lucy is when she first finds out the drugs have given her ‘powers’. This scene is fast paced and has a non-diegetic soundtrack however it has the diegetic sounds of keys rattling in time with the fast-paced tune. The scene is full of action and has fast paced cuts during the fight. The fight shows she has inhuman strength and powers as before she was weak and confused, this is to move the plot on as she is seeking revenge for the people who done it to her. Furthermore, her characters posture looks quite confident and inquisitive the shot shows her contemplating something and shows she has power because of her facial expression and the cameras focus.

In the scene after she shoots a gang of men playing cards she only fires enough bullets to shoot each one once and they all drop dead. This shows to the audience that she has had an effect from the drug as her aim is good and she wasn’t hesitant. This also links to a character’s emotional development as in this case she seems to be getting less emotional and more professional skills and characteristics of a typical character in an action movie.

The scene has rapid cuts of her eating food and restoring her energy, the sound of a non-diegetic sound accompanies each rapid cut emphasising how fast paced the movie is. The use of guns as a prop is a familiar characteristic of the thriller genre as guns lead to violence and often are the main prop in this genre.

The interrogation scene from Batman: The dark knight has used high key lighting and the position of the characters show tension between them because they are both on opposite ends of the table, their clothes also contrast as batman is all in black whereas the joker is in colour, this shows they are opposite of each other and validates they are enemies. In thriller films it can be common for police and the authorities to be involved however in this scene although it is shot in a prison holding cell Batman is doing the integration, this could be to show that the authorities have full trust in Batman. It also shows both characters as equals as they both have the same stance.

It makes the audience feel suspense because as the Joker has been ‘caught’ it could signify the film is nearly over however as the scene pans out the joker has put various association of batman in danger so they know there is still more action to come.

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This scene from Lucy shot in a low angle shows her becoming more powerful and throwing people out of her way, this scene also features a gun which is a common prop in thriller films. This also shows her appearance has changed (hair) and is a typical thing for people in spy movies to do so it shows she is in danger because people are coming after her. The fight scenes in Lucy are important because it shows a strong female lead and can appeal to both genders.

The audience may feel suspense because even though she has powers she is seeking revenge, so it shows the movie will end. This makes the audience wonder if Lucy will survive or not. Lucy also has a car Chace through Paris which the audience can recognise and relate to Steven Neale’s theory as both films have a car Chace.

Section two: narrative theory

Alongside stylistic codes and conventions it’s also possible to view Lucy and Batman: The dark knight in terms of narrative code, convention and structure. Theorist Tsetzvan Todorov suggests that narrative structure has a beginning, middle and end. Through five points, the equilibrium, disruption by an event, recognition disruption has taken place, an attempt to repair the disruption, a return to equilibrium.

The disruption by an even can be shown through both films, when the villain causes trouble and recognition that disruption has taken place can be seen in Batman the Dark knight when he goes after Joker and tries to repair the damage he made, and then saves Gotham. It can be seen in Lucy when she goes after the men who drugged her and finds a doctor who understands the drug to help her stop the effects of it.

The ending to Lucy is a closed ending because the storyline is finished. In the film she used 100% of her brain signifying the end of the film when she meets ape Lucy and says, ‘I am everywhere’ this shows that even though her physical form has died. She is a god in a way because she used 100% of her brain and discovered information about galaxies and secretes about the universe. This ending could be a twist because you didn’t expect her physical from to become possessed by the power of the drug.

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The ending to Batman: the dark knight ends in a monologue about Batman and how one day he will return, this can be an open ending as you expect another movie about batman’s return. It shows how character in the film are getting on with their lives and the smashing of the bat signal signifies an end to batman.

1. The villain: Locked in a constant struggle with the hero, often trying to harm princess.

2. The donor: Gives the hero an object or a piece of information that helps them prepare for what is to come.

3. The helper: Assists the hero with their quest, often referred to as their 'sidekick'.

4. The princess: Needs assistance from the hero, usually because they are in some form of danger, typically the princess is the victim within the narrative.

5. The dispatcher: Is the character who sends that hero on their mission or quest.

6. Hero: Reacts to the donor and saves the princess, often resulting in them falling in love with the princess.

7. False hero: May appear good but has an ulterior motive, or attempts to take credit for the hero's actions.

In Lucy her boyfriend is the villain for involving her in the gang who implant drugs into her, the policeman would be the helper and the doctor would be the donor because of his research about the brain they begin to understand how Lucy works and what powers she has.

In Batman the Joker would be the villain who is fighting the hero. The policeman would be the helper as he shows the police are on batman’s side. Harvey dent could be the false hero as he changes after his face gets distorted whilst Racheal would be the princess as she was batman’s love interest.

It could be argued that narrative theory is used n batman to create disruption in order to restore the equilibrium.

Unit 10 fictional film codes and conventions

Section 1: genre

The horror genre is one of the most popular genres in film, allowing me to analyse the stylistic codes and conventions that make up this film genre. The two horror films I am comparing are the Texas chainsaw massacre and insidious. Both films clearly show generic codes and conventions of a horror film and how the audience interacts with the film.

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Theorist Steve Neale states genre cinema is made up of repetition and difference. This shows audiences expect familiarity in a film and expect repetition of features and characteristics within the genre because of the recognizable characteristics that made them like the genre in the first place. Ways that genre repeats and differentiates include setting, characters, stars and themes and ideology’s.

Neale’s theory of repetition and difference are shown in both The Texas chainsaw massacre and Insidious as they both have recognisable genre codes and conventions.

One of the most well-known scenes from Insidious uses a close-up to build tension and suspense between the audience and the main character because this shows the audience what is behind the character. This builds tension and suspense because the audience knows more than the main character, so it gives the audience authority because they know what is happening, but the character doesn’t. Another stylistic code to make meaning in horror films is the use of sound.

In this scene the non-diegetic sound shocks the audience as it starts slow and builds up to a pint where it stops, then when the face appears the sound starts again. The face also looks scary, like a typical monster from a horror movie so straight away audience associate it with horror.

In Texas chainsaw massacre they use low key lighting to make the character look menacing and in the shadows, this also links to the fact he wears a mask because like the shadows he is also hiding his identity with a mask. Masks can easily be associated with horror movies as many looks sinister and scare people however this mask in particular looks untidy and made of skin. This makes the audience feel the other characters are in danger as if it’s made of skin he could be going after the teenagers.

The sound used in Texas chainsaw massacre is mainly diegetic because the sound of the chainsaw and the teenagers screaming are all in the scene.

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The scene from the insidious trailer was a medium close up which is unusual as your usually introduced to the establishing shot, however we know this is the main character and presume the haunting takes place in his house as you can see furniture in the background. His clothing makes him look like an average person however he has quite a concerned or panicked facial expression. The background looks like a house so suggests to the audience that something supernatural is happening to a normal person from a normal house which could make the audience feel tense through the movie as they can relate to being ‘normal’.

The setting for Texas chainsaw massacre is generic for a horror movie because it is set out in the middle of nowhere more of a typical horror movie setting, whereas insidious was in a normal neighbourhood. The props focused of in Texas chainsaw massacre is the chainsaw because even before you see him coming you can hear the diegetic sound of the chainsaw.

The suit the character wears contrasts with his actions because a suit can look smart whereas he is wearing a mask which makes him look sinister. Also, his actions and body language are hectic and represent the craziness within for him to make masks and kill people. This film is very gruesome because of the torturous way he kills people, it can easily be recognised within the horror genre.

Section two: narrative theory

Alongside stylistic codes and narratives it also possible to view Texas chainsaw massacre and insidious in terms of narrative code, convention and structure. Todorov’s theory states narratives will have a beginning, middle and end through the 5 transformations previously mentioned.

Most horror stories follow a similar pattern, and there is evidence in Insidious and Texas chainsaw massacre to support this as Texas chainsaw massacre has disruption of events and disequilibrium by murder and insidious has a disruption of events by a paranormal being that terrorises his family. (both genre tropes.)

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In insidious recognition and an attempt to repair is evident because John contacts Elsie as he believes she can red his home and family of this evil entity that is terrorising his family. She comes and helps the family’s possessed child by astral projecting john to another dimension to save his son from the benevolent spirit. Insidious had a open ending because Elsie the character still contuse with her job so you wonder if you will see other things about her in later movies.

In Texas chainsaw massacre when sally escapes from the house she was bound in, she goes on the run. This could reassure the audience that she will be safe from leather face however he comes after her with vengeance and chases her along a road, this gives the audience a thrill as they may be cheering him on to catch her or for her to get away, it also gives some suspense as to what will happen next as they are changing scenery and are far away from civilisation. This causes disruption for leather face as one of his victim has escaped.

The ending has a little plot twist as when the driver passes you think he will help sally escape however she must run for her life once again until another lorry knocks over leather face.

The villain in Texas chainsaw massacre is leather face and his family as they capture and murder passers-by and teenagers. Sally would be the princess as she needs saving from the torturous family.

The helper in Insidious is Elsie which is unusual for her age and gender however due to her age it shows she has experience and can help people with unusual situations. Both films can be linked to Propp’s work as both stories involve a quest and clear character separations.

Unit 10 fictional film codes and conventions

Section 1: genre

The horror genre is one of the most popular genres in film, allowing me to analyse the stylistic codes and conventions that make up this film genre. The two horror films I am comparing are the Texas chainsaw massacre and insidious. Both films clearly show generic codes and conventions of a horror film and how the audience interacts with the film.

Shaunnxa Lamb

Theorist Steve Neale states genre cinema is made up of repetition and difference. This shows audiences expect familiarity in a film and expect repetition of features and characteristics within the genre because of the recognizable characteristics that made them like the genre in the first place. Ways that genre repeats and differentiates include setting, characters, stars and themes and ideology’s.

Neale’s theory of repetition and difference are shown in both The Texas chainsaw massacre and Insidious as they both have recognisable genre codes and conventions.

One of the most well-known scenes from Insidious uses a close-up to build tension and suspense between the audience and the main character because this shows the audience what is behind the character. This builds tension and suspense because the audience knows more than the main character, so it gives the audience authority because they know what is happening, but the character doesn’t. Another stylistic code to make meaning in horror films is the use of sound.

In this scene the non-diegetic sound shocks the audience as it starts slow and builds up to a pint where it stops, then when the face appears the sound starts again. The face also looks scary, like a typical monster from a horror movie so straight away audience associate it with horror.

In Texas chainsaw massacre they use low key lighting to make the character look menacing and in the shadows, this also links to the fact he wears a mask because like the shadows he is also hiding his identity with a mask. Masks can easily be associated with horror movies as many looks sinister and scare people however this mask in particular looks untidy and made of skin. This makes the audience feel the other characters are in danger as if it’s made of skin he could be going after the teenagers.

The sound used in Texas chainsaw massacre is mainly diegetic because the sound of the chainsaw and the teenagers screaming are all in the scene.

Shaunnxa Lamb

The scene from the insidious trailer was a medium close up which is unusual as your usually introduced to the establishing shot, however we know this is the main character and presume the haunting takes place in his house as you can see furniture in the background. His clothing makes him look like an average person however he has quite a concerned or panicked facial expression. The background looks like a house so suggests to the audience that something supernatural is happening to a normal person from a normal house which could make the audience feel tense through the movie as they can relate to being ‘normal’.

The setting for Texas chainsaw massacre is generic for a horror movie because it is set out in the middle of nowhere more of a typical horror movie setting, whereas insidious was in a normal neighbourhood. The props focused of in Texas chainsaw massacre is the chainsaw because even before you see him coming you can hear the diegetic sound of the chainsaw.

The suit the character wears contrasts with his actions because a suit can look smart whereas he is wearing a mask which makes him look sinister. Also, his actions and body language are hectic and represent the craziness within for him to make masks and kill people. This film is very gruesome because of the torturous way he kills people, it can easily be recognised within the horror genre.

Section two: narrative theory

Alongside stylistic codes and narratives it also possible to view Texas chainsaw massacre and insidious in terms of narrative code, convention and structure. Todorov’s theory states narratives will have a beginning, middle and end through the 5 transformations previously mentioned.

Most horror stories follow a similar pattern, and there is evidence in Insidious and Texas chainsaw massacre to support this as Texas chainsaw massacre has disruption of events and disequilibrium by murder and insidious has a disruption of events by a paranormal being that terrorises his family. (both genre tropes.)

Shaunnxa Lamb

In insidious recognition and an attempt to repair is evident because John contacts Elsie as he believes she can red his home and family of this evil entity that is terrorising his family. She comes and helps the family’s possessed child by astral projecting john to another dimension to save his son from the benevolent spirit. Insidious had a open ending because Elsie the character still contuse with her job so you wonder if you will see other things about her in later movies.

In Texas chainsaw massacre when sally escapes from the house she was bound in, she goes on the run. This could reassure the audience that she will be safe from leather face however he comes after her with vengeance and chases her along a road, this gives the audience a thrill as they may be cheering him on to catch her or for her to get away, it also gives some suspense as to what will happen next as they are changing scenery and are far away from civilisation. This causes disruption for leather face as one of his victim has escaped.

The ending has a little plot twist as when the driver passes you think he will help sally escape however she must run for her life once again until another lorry knocks over leather face.

The villain in Texas chainsaw massacre is leather face and his family as they capture and murder passers-by and teenagers. Sally would be the princess as she needs saving from the torturous family.

The helper in Insidious is Elsie which is unusual for her age and gender however due to her age it shows she has experience and can help people with unusual situations. Both films can be linked to Propp’s work as both stories involve a quest and clear character separations.